Fabled Sintra is just a 30-minute drive from the bustle of city life, making it one of the most popular and convenient day trips from Lisbon. At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Porto Recanati at around 05:16, with the final departure at 18:43. 7) Povoa de Varzim (beach trip) (metro) Below is an interactive map of the locations of the day trips from Porto. Praia da Azurara is the closest beach to the town, but beaches are not the only attraction here. Or do as the pilgrims did and climb the stairs on your knees as penance for your sins. Its a great place to come if you want to see an authentic Portuguese town with few international tourists. With thanks to Lotte from Phenomenal Globe for this contribution. Wearing a comfortable pair of shoes is absolutely essential when youre exploring multiple destinations in one day. For a quick day trip from Porto by bus, you can spend a day lazing on the beach, swimming in the Atlantic, or eating all the seafood you can imagine. You could rent a car, take the Flexibus, or do a guided tour with a local. The capital of the Port wine region is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. And there are some beautiful hidden gems in northern Portugal that you can easily reach in a day. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Pack The Suitcases uses affiliate links. Hassle-free option: Book this half-day tour with a cruise. 2.5 Visit the Archaeological Park of the Coa Valley. The local fishing industry means that there are plenty of cafs serving fresh seafood straight off the boats. Matosinhos is a small beach town located just a short 5 miles (9 km) north of Porto. It is a short 2-hour drive south of Porto, and there are a few different ways to get there. Pour yourself a wine and lets get planning. The tickets for every attraction in Guimares are sold here. Amarante is also an artsy town, known to have been the home of many 20th-century artists where you can find many pieces in the Municipal Museum. Douro Valley - the most beautiful day trip from Porto (1-2 hours journey time) 2. But Porto is also a perfect base for getting out and about on day trips to see even more of the surrounding area. Fabulous scenery, and the best ever ruined castle at Castro Laboreiro, high on the top of the cliff and almost impossible to see until you climb up there. The small town was also the birthplace of Portugals first king, Afonso Henriques. In winter, Gers can occasionally get a sprinkling of snow. Here, Lonely Planet's Austin Bush takes us along northern Portugal's Douro Valley by train. When youre exploring multiple destinations on one day trip from Porto, make sure to pack lightly only bringing the absolute essentials. However, the locals decided to paint the boats in vivid colors and created the biggest tourist attraction in Aveiro and which has put the town on the map. Its location is also what made the city important in the trade and production of Port wine. Hmmm, as for ice cream and dessert, surprisingly we didn't . Check the train timetable before signing up for tours, as return trips to Porto can be limited. Guimares is a small city in the mountains of northern Portugal. Guimares is brimming with history and said to be the countrys birthplace. 1 block from the train station. With thanks to Daria from The Discovery Nut for this contribution. You can also purchase access only for the trail. Ponte de Lima is a lovely place and then drive through Arcos de Valdevez and Soajo into the Peneda Geres national park. From there, it's another 30-minute bus ride to Regua. The gorgeous coastal city of Viana do Castelo is a bit of a hidden gem in Portugal. Wow! The Douro Valley is a region inland from Porto that has been made famous for its picturesque views and the wine that is produced in the region. The trains in Portugal are very convenient and link up many of the towns and cities in the country, making it easy to explore without having to rent a car. 1. / The Duoro Valley. Book . How to get to Sintra: Start your journey at Rossio Station in Lisbon, and take the urban train to the last top in Sintra. 2.3 Go for a Douro River cruise. Although it is possible to do with public transport, the Douro Valley as a day trip from Porto is easiest by tour or with your own vehicle. 2. 2.7 Soak up the views. Consider hiring a car for the day and nominating a designated driver for full flexibility. See all. North Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the wintertime because Nazare has one of the biggest swells in the world. 2.2 Do a wine tasting & winery tour. But, the best part is walking along the walls! Get your best pair of walking shoes because Coimbra is quite hilly, and youll need to walk around a bit. Talk to farmers, walk among ruins of Roman houses and pass through small local villages on the Penafiel hiking trail. Pinhao is the main town in the Douro Valley and is located right in the middle of all the action. This area is the world's first demarcated and regulated wine region. The lowdown on Europes best spring break spots from Mediterranean island beach escapes to Norways waterfall-splashed fjords. Theres a direct train from Porto to Peso da Rgua, which takes 2 hours. For several destinations, youll need a car to visit, but others are easy to reach either by train, bus or, if youre visiting the Douro Valley, by boat on an organized tour. Amarante - 59 km or approximately 45 minutes. Plus, you wont have to worry about a thing! There are guided boat trips, canoes and pedalos to rent, and a fun water park. Before entering the beach, youll see a monument of women and children looking out to sea, mourning their lost husbands and fathers. You should also visit the citys Fish Market, the lighthouse (the tallest in Portugal! The next day, we will be making our way to Porto, likely by train as we will likely. The best way to explore the region is to rent a car, so you have the freedom to stay at each stop as long as you want. Here are some top day trips from Porto into the scenic Douro Valley, historic cities in northern Portugal, and beyond. The best way to explore the town is on foot to stroll along the narrow cobbled streets, stopping at charming street cafs that offer great coffee and delicious freshly baked pastry. If you would prefer to visit Guimares with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a stop in Braga! And if you want to stay longer than 3 days in Porto, maybe do a day trip out of the city If you were staying longer than 3 days in Porto, you could head out to explore further afield. Tickets cost 18 - 26 and the journey takes 2h 40m. To fully appreciate the magnitude of the valley, we recommend a 1-hour cruise up the river from Pinho in a yacht or vintage rabelo (traditional wooden cargo boat). This book showcases 50 of the greatest road trips on Earth, from classic routes in America, Australia and Europe, to incredible adventures in Asia and Africa. Popular day trips 1) Braga 2) Guimares 3) Douro Valley 4) Aveiro 5) Matosinhos 6) Coimbra. The bridge crosses the Tmega River and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the country. Theyre quite dramatic against the mountainous backdrop. Getting to Guimares. Take a stroll amid the colorful flowers of Jardim de Santa Brbara and visit the S for a peek inside the oldest cathedral in Portugal. There are numerous hiking trails, Roman ruins and sparkling waterfalls. This is a pleasant and flat stroll along the coastline using a wooden boardwalk. Guimares castle survived two medievel seiges! 2pm: take a moliceiros ride along the canal. village of . If you want to have a beach day near Porto, then you must visit Matosinhos, a port and fishing town 8km north of the city of Porto. Unauthorised use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this sites owner is strictly prohibited. From here the wine barrels were transported to Vila Nova da Gaia. Check the train timetables before your visit so you know what trains you want. However, there is a lot more to discover. Day bag Youll want a small day bag to carry any personal items, snacks, or souvenirs you buy along the way. ), and walk by the sand dunes to the beach. One of the best-known views is of the river with the So Gonalo bridge and the church of Igreja de So Gonalo. This is the unassuming home of bolas de berlim, the Portuguese version of the custard-filled Berliner doughnut. The town also sells different sweets once made by the local nuns. This has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2013. The arched bridge is the site of a victorious battle for the Portuguese against the French during the Peninsular War and now serves as the main vehicular route into town. So pack a pair of comfortable shoes to keep your feet happy. Anywhere you see miradouro on a map is a viewpoint and likely a good one. However, lovely Amarante is best done by bus so I have begrudgingly included that. Day trip from Porto to Viana do Castelo. All the while following the river and having mesmerizing views of the hills with vineyards. The best way to get to Amarante is to catch the bus from the Rodonorte bus station in Porto. The history of Tomar will fascinate you. Read next: Are Fanny Packs Good for Travel in Europe? Enjoy a stroll on the seaside promenade or hang out at the largest sandy beach in the Porto District. Please be aware that this is the hardest of all the day trips from Porto by public transport, but it is just about doable, especially if you stay over. With a storied history and an old university that provided inspiration for Harry Potter, Coimbra makes for an interesting travel destination. Im hoping to visit Porto this year so this is really going to come in handy when Im planning a day trip from there! You can choose what to keep and what to change according to your preference. Visitors can hike through the parks mountains and forests, swim or kayak in the huge lakes, explore its numerous caves, Roman ruins, or go on a road trip in the wilderness. (The distance from Lisbon to Sintra is just 28.7 km.) / The iconic Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela. Guimares plays a central role in the nations history as the first capital of Portugal. Once in Coimbra, you can easily explore the university and the historic center on foot. The city itself has plenty to offer as well, from the city centers Praa da Repblica to the nearby Casa do Raio, which is a beautiful palace turned museum covered in gorgeous purple-blue azulejos. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1834, an extravagant neo-Manueline palace was built. Setbal is a small city 48km southwest of Lisbon. You can easily do Braga as a day trip from Porto, especially if you aren't including Guimaraes. 16. the Lima river in Peneda Geres, the only national park in Portugal. I'm trying to find the timetable for this September so I can coordinate with a flight out of Porto. Braga - 54 km or approximately 45 minutes. Paiva. Coimbra is a beautiful city, home to the oldest university in the country and a must-visit on any Portugal itinerary.. 2.2 do a guided tour with a local guide, check out this small-group tour that also includes a in! 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